Thursday, 24 September 2026

Book Mail - 24th September 2026

 Once a month I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous month. 


The books from right to left:

The Garden of Lost Girls by A. L. Tait

Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Publication date: 1st September 2026

About the book:

In a quiet, coastal town, eighteen-year-old Jessica lets out a gasp, then walks out of the opening night her own play, ‘The Garden of Lost Girls’. She is never seen again.

What did she see? Where did she go? And why did she never come home?

Thirty years later, Jessica’s nephew, fourteen-year-old Sam, is still asking the same questions. With the town planning an anniversary performance of ‘The Garden of Lost Girls’, Jessica’s family hopes that it will help to jog memories and, perhaps, finally solve the puzzle of Jessica’s disappearance. And Sam’s mum wants Sam and his cousins, Gracie and Archie, to be in the production to keep an eye out for new information.

At least, that’s the plan.

But as the play goes into rehearsal, a series of accidents makes it clear to Sam and his cousins that not everyone is happy about the performance―and they’ll do anything to stop it.

And when one of them goes missing on the night of the performance, the cousins realise that sometimes history doesn’t always stay in the past.

Literally Hilarious! Families Gone Wild

Publisher: Just Write For Kids
Publication date: 22nd August 2026

About the book:
In this bumper collection of hilarious family short stories, poems, jokes and other fun activities, you'll find the funniest, most embarrassing, yet purely heartwarming tales to literally keep your eye peeled and your ribs cracking for hours.

Families will go wild for this anthology - created by a sensational community of talented authors and illustrators!






Duck, Duck, Bruce! by Dannika Patterson

Publisher: EK Books
Publication date: 13th October 2026

About the book:
Bruce looks like a duck.
Bruce walks like a duck.
Bruce quacks like a duck.
But Bruce does not think like a duck.
Thank goodness!

A story that celebrates different ways of thinking, being and doing.




A Tie For Barry by Aneta Cruz

Publisher: EK Books
Publication date: 4th February 2027

About the book:
Barry has been accepted to the finest Brontosaurus Academy in the Jurassic world.

All he needs to fit in is a bright tie.

There's just one problem....

His neck is too short!





Little Blue, Where Are You? by Sally Morgan

Publisher: Fremantle Press
Publication date: 1st October 2026

About the book:
When Rocky Road Jack spies a tasty snack,
it will take all Skippy Gillespie's courage - and some help from an old friend - to rescue little blue.







Joey gets His Wings by Catherine Bauer

Publisher: Big Sky Publishing
Publication date: 29th September 2026

About the book:
Inspired by the real stories of Australian soldiers who carried small mascots from home to bring comfort during the First World War.
Beneath the vast blue skies of Australia’s outback, a young boy named Art dreams of flying, with his small toy kangaroo, Joey, never far from his side. When Art leaves home to join the Australian Flying Corps, Joey is tucked into his bag — a small reminder of home.
Together, they travel far beyond the red earth, Joey strapped to the front of Art’s plane as he soars through unfamiliar skies where courage is tested and home feels very far away. But when Joey is lost during the war, his journey becomes one of waiting, remembering and hoping.
Alone in a distant field, Joey waits and hopes, holding onto the memory of the boy who carried him there.
Inspired by true stories, Joey Gets His Wings is a gentle and heartfelt tale of friendship, courage and the enduring ties that lead us home.

Captain Elliot “Tab” Pflaum, an Australian Flying Corps pilot from South Australia, carried his leather kangaroo mascot, Joey, through WWI skies. Perched on his aircraft, Joey symbolised courage and companionship, enduring aerial missions and later preserved as a treasured keepsake, connecting past sacrifice with remembrance.
The Green Child by Hollie Hughes

Publisher: Post Wave Children's Books
Publication date: 15th September 2026

About the book:
In the deepest Dense forest,
where the trees twist gnarled and wild,
along a winding path we find
a deep asleep Green Child...

A magical tale that will inspire every human heart to treasure our natural world.
Because what begins as just a whisper,
just a ripple on the breeze, can bring about a positive change forever.



Bernie Thinks in Boxes by Jess Horn

Publisher: Affirm Press
Publication date: 24th July 2024

About the book:
A beautiful story about thinking differently and navigating change in a neurotypical world.
Bernie thinks in boxes. She has boxes for everything: for home, for school and even for the park.
Bernie likes boxes. When things fit into boxes, they make sense.
But one day, Bernie's boxes collide, and she must find a way to make sense of her world again.

#berniethinksinboxes #thegreenchild #joeygetshiswings #littlebluewhereareyou #atieforbarry #duckduckbruce #literallyhilarious #thegardenoflostgirls #childrensbooks #picturebooks #newrelease #bookmail #middlegradebooks #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers #readwithyourkids #kidsbookswelove






Friday, 18 September 2026

Review: Hari's Bones by Danny Parker

 Hari's Bones is a lovely gentle book which highlights the concept of children learning skills in different ways. Hari's Bones is a story for the gentle risk takers.


illustrated by Rache Antonio

Publisher: One Tentacle Publishing
Publication date: 1st August 2026
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 32
RRP: AU$25.99 (hardcover)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Hari was cautious. She wasn't tempted by trampolines, bicycles or skateboards.
She delicately dodged, silently swerved, always keeping her bones safe.
Until one day she was needed on the field. The ball came her way. She picked it up and ran and ran. When she peeked at her bones, not a scratch!
Hari found she could hop, swerve and splash and her bones were safe.
Soon Hari was breaking records - never bones.



I loved that the story didn't push Hari to be more daring, she was left to be herself and when needed she found the courage to overcome fear. The reader can see that Hari, although cautious, is still continuously learning new skills. Skills that will come in handy when needed. Highlighting the concept of letting children learn and explore in their own time.



Hari's Bones is the perfect story to talk about the differences in how children play; some are rowdy and daring, whilst others are quiet and circumspect. However we go about our day everyone is learning skills for life.

The book also features a QR code in the back to listen to the author's narration to original music composed by award winning artist Matt Ottley. Or visit www.tsopb.com/downloads

This year's official CBCA Children's Book Week theme was Symphony of Stories. I thought how splendidly this fits into Matt Ottley's The Sound of Picture Books which is the  concept of bringing music and picture books together. Two wonderful sensory experiences coming together to embolden children to listen and learn.
There are currently thirteen titles in The Sound of Picture Books series.

Rache Antonio's water- colour and pencil illustrations catch the spirit of Hari as she observes the world and quietly, cautiously works on her own dreams and ambitions.

My rating 4 / 5 ðŸĶīðŸĶīðŸĶīðŸĶī
Recommended age: 6+ years

to learn more go to: www.onetentaclepublishing.com

Monday, 7 September 2026

Review: Bandoola by Beverley McWilliams

A Mammoth Rescue: The WWII Elephant Who Led Over 200 People to Safety.

Beverley McWilliams' story of Bandoola was inspired by the true story of Bandoola the elephant who, together with James Williams (Elephant Bill), led over 200 people through the jungles of Burma to safety during WWII. 

Beverley McWilliams brings history to life for young readers, and the story being narrated by Bandoola himself is truly innovative, bringing a whole new perspective to this moment in history.

I simply loved reading young Bandoola's narrative. He was mischievous, cheeky and very smart. His handler Po Toke has big dreams for Bandoola and hopes to one day train elephants born in captivity for logging instead of trapping and kheddaring (an historical practice of breaking in the wild elephants) wild elephants. However Bandoola's only dream is for a life of freedom.

Having the thoughts of the elephant brings a layer of connection and McWilliams cleverly shows how the elephants communicate with humans and how they learn commands.

Written on a level for Middle Grade readers we see the humane side of keeping elephants in captivity. The elephants are loved and well looked after. There is a brief explanation of kheddaring. However the actual practice is not featured in this story.

McWilliams brings historical events to life in a way that will captivate young readers. There is plenty of humour, mishaps, danger and adventure.
The bond between man and elephant is powerful and moving.

Bandoola is a story that will inspire young readers to venture into more historical fiction tales. It is a fun and immersive way to learn about the world and its history.

I loved how Bandoola's character grew throughout the story as he aged, learning courage and responsibility, however never losing the fun and mischievous actions of the young Bandoola.

McWilliams has clearly undertaken extensive research into elephants, how they act and the work of their keepers, to make this book come across as totally natural and realistic.

The food, people and vegetation of Burma all shine through in McWilliams vivid descriptions. The gorgeous sketches by Kate Jones featured throughout the book add an extra level of visual appeal.

Bandoola is a story young readers will want to read over and over.

My rating 5 / 5 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘
Recommended age: 8 - 14 years

Teaching notes and resources can also be found on the publisher website:
https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/bandoola?_pos=1&_sid=b1dec2e73&_ss=r

Publisher: UWA Publishing
Publication date: 1st August 2026
Genre: Middle Grade / Historical
Pages: 310
RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)
Source: courtesy of the publisher

#bandoola #middlegrade #middlegradefiction #middlegradehistoricalfiction #kidsbooksaboutelephants #historicalbooksforkids #ausbookbloggers #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelf 

Sunday, 6 September 2026

Review: Love You, Daddy by Karen Blair

I think Love You, Daddy is the cutest lift the flap book I've seen!
Originally released for Fathers Day however this gorgeous book filled with love and admiration for all kinds of dads would be the perfect gift and bed time read all year round.


Illustrated by Karen Blair

Publisher: Affirm Kids
Publication date: 28th July 2026
Genre: Board Book
Pages: 24
RRP: AU$16.99
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

This is the perfect book for dad to spend some quality time with their child and the interactive flaps make it a fun experience for both adult and child.
Love You, Daddy is the ideal bedtime read. A gentle story about all the wonderful things daddies do for us.


Dads teach us about kindness and helping others. Fold the flap to see capybara dad being helpful.


From having fun and being a good listener to encouraging us to be brave and helping others, daddies really are the best.


Dads encourage us and help us to be brave. Fold the flap to see the little duckling be brave and jump in the pond. He is ever so cute with his little floaties on. 


This sturdy board book has strong flaps that won’t immediately tear off with a bit of enthusiastic use. Love You, Daddy is sure to become a bedtime favourite.

My rating 5 / 5 ðŸĶ†ðŸĶ†ðŸĶ†ðŸĶ†ðŸĶ†
Recommended age: 0 - 3 years

#loveyoudaddy #childrensboardbook #lifttheflapbook #booksforbabies #childrenspicturebook #boardbook #karenblair #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Review: Who Will You Be? by Calum Smith

 Who Will You Be? is a charming story about a father imagining the many career paths his young daughter may take in life. The beautiful foil title text really enhances this sweet cover.


illustrated by Danica Publico

Publisher: Children's Book Boutique
Publication date: 2025
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 28
RRP: AU$24.95 (hardcover)
Source: Courtesy of the author

This delightful picture book tells the story of a father's wonder over what future his young daughter's life will hold. From veterinarian or astronaut to athlete or teacher each profession showcasing his daughter's strengths.



Young children will see themselves in each role as it is described in simple text with accompanying pictures by Danica Publico.

Calum Smith explores some of the career paths a child may take as they grow older. Different occupations that require different personality traits.

Who Will You Be? is a read-out-loud story brimming with love.



The charming illustrations by Danica Publico in subdued colour tones give a calming feel to the story making it perfect for wind-down bedtime reading.

This hardcover story book also has an accompanying softcover colouring book with all the images from the story. Match the colours in the story or use your imagination to make it as colourful as you like.



Even though the father has all these dreams for his daughter, ultimately he simply wants her to believe in herself. There is no limit to who you may become.

My rating 4.5 / 5 👧👧👧👧½
Recommended age: 3 - 6 years

Both the story book and colouring book can be ordered through the publishers website:  https://childrensbookboutique.com.au/

#whowillyoube #calumsmith #childrenspicturebook #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Mailbox Monday - 25th August 2026

 On Mondays I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous week / month. And here I am again posted my Mailbox Monday on a day that isn't a Monday but Mailbox Tuesday just doesn't cut it.


The books from left to right:

Ella and the Call of the Wild by Cassy Polimeni

Publisher: UWA Publishing
Publication date: 1st August 2026

About the book:
Ella’s class is getting pen pals! They will be writing to kids at a school on the other side of the country. Everyone is excited except for Ella, who finds herself lost for words. What do you say to someone you have never met? But Ella soon discovers she and her pen pal are connected by more than just letters. A creature they both care about needs their help!




The Grey Beret's Guide to Surviving the Odds by Anna Battese

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: 28th July 2026

About the book:

Odie Gusberry-Smith doesn't like surprises. But when a mysterious package arrives in the mail, she finds The Grey Beret's Guide to Surviving the Odds – a book that feels like it was written just for her.

Odie is going to need it, because her dad has had the ridiculous idea that they should go on a cruise. When calamity strikes (as she could have told you it would), Odie will need to use every trick in the Guide to keep herself and her alarmingly danger-prone group safe.

Along the way, she might just realise that the Guide is not the only thing she can rely on…

A New Kind of Beautiful by Suzy Zail

Publisher: Walker Books
Publication date: August 2026

About the book:

Paige Wilding has her future mapped out — the Year 10 Art prize. Graduation. A coveted spot in an elite art school in New York. But when she's diagnosed with an incurable eye disease, the perfect life she’s planned starts to blur.

She makes a choice to keep her condition secret and live louder, love wilder, and paint like her life depends on it. Only her best friend Jazz knows the truth, and is helping her cram a lifetime of colour into a single year.
But as her sight fades and she’s forced to give up painting, it’s Zac, her rival for the art prize, who helps Paige find a way back to her art and a new kind of beautiful; messy and imperfect but also raw, unfiltered and fiercely alive.

Who Will You Be? by Calum Smith

Publisher: Children's Book Boutique
Publication date: 2025

About the book:

A heartwarming journey through a parent's imagination wondering who their daughter might grow up to become.

From a fierce firefighter to a star reaching astronaut,
each page celebrates a different career path, told through gentle rhyme and accompanied with charming illustrations.

Hari's Bones by Danny Parker

Publisher: One Tentacle Publications
Publication date: 1st August 2026

About the book:

Hari’s bones are, of course, not bones. They are hopes, aspirations, dreams and ambitions. Who would want to risk breaking them? They are things that need time, time to nurture and develop. To change and adapt. They are the very stuff that keep us strong and supported. Our skeleton.

In avoiding trouble, Hari develops the very skills she will need to exceed all expectations. Her imagination and creativity are always working overtime—she may be dreaming…but she’s dreaming big!

Mama's Wedding by Circle Yuen

Publisher: Lantana Publishing
Publication date: 8th September 2026

About the book;

When Ruby and her little sister Cindy are asked to be Mama's flower girls, Cindy is thrilled, but Ruby's heart is full of questions. As the wedding day unfolds, Ruby witnesses her family change. With gentle support from Granny, Daddy Daniel, and Mama's new husband Alex, she begins to understand that love doesn't disappear ....

.... it can grow in the most surprising ways.

Family Feast by Brooke Graham

Publisher: EK Books
Publication date: 29th September 2026

About the book:

Tallula's family is so embarrassing!

They fight likes cats, they're louder than a herd of elephants and they have worse table manners than wild hogs.

So when Tallula discovers her best friend Mia will be coming to Family Feast she's horrified!

What will Mia think of her relatives? Or can Tallula come up with a plan to teach them to behave?

Love You, Daddy by Karen Blair

Publisher: Affirm Kids
Publication date: 28th July 2026

About the book:

Daddies can be gentle, be good listeners, keep us cosy, help us feel brave – and do so many other wonderful things.

With simple, heartfelt text and playful illustrations, this sturdy lift-the-flap book is perfect for little hands to explore and celebrate all the ways dads make every day special.


Poppy Makes Pockets by Jemima Parker

Publisher: EK Books
Publication date: 7th July 2026

poppy loves collecting treasures... but her clothes  rarely have any pockets. So she hatches a plan.

With scissors, old T-shirts and lots of determination, Poppy sews pockets for herself, her friends and eventually the whole neighbourhood.

Read my review HERE


A Hat for Every Harriet by Jess Horn

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: 28th July 2026

About the book:

Harriet wears many hats. She has a hat for listening, for following the rules and even for being silly. Harriet wears a different hat for every job, because every job needs a different Harriet.

But one day, Harriet has too many hats to wear. Can she find a way to just be herself?

From the creators of Bernie Thinks in Boxes comes a beautiful story about thinking differently and accepting yourself in a neurotypical world.

Albert Upside Down by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books
Publication date: 27th April 2021

About the book:

Albert the pet tortoise has a problem: trying to reach a tasty treat, he has ended up on his shell, upside down and stuck! Can the other garden creatures overcome their rivalry, team up and help him get back on his feet? Packed with comical, charming illustrations and vibrant colour, this timeless tale shows the power of working together, thinking creatively, and how even the smallest amount of assistance can make a very big difference.
Read my review HERE


Albert Supersize by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books
Publication date: 8th March 2022

About the book:

Pet tortoise Albert is on his biggest adventure yet. He must tackle giant dinosaurs and a fiery volcano. Then, back in the garden, he’s called on to help his little friends with a big problem of their own.




Albert and the Pond by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books
Publication date: 16th May 2023

About the book:

A new garden pond proves fascinating for Albert. Especially when he befriends an unusual underwater creature. But one day, his new friend vanishes and Albert is sad. He keeps checking to see if they have returned. His other garden chums do their best to cheer him up. But there is no sign – right up to Albert’s long winter sleep. Will the spring bring a happy reunion when Albert wakes and returns to the outdoors?

Albert and the Flood by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books
Publication date: 24th September 2026

About the book:

Heavy rain has drenched the garden and the lawn is waterlogged. The garden' s annual

sports day is in jeopardy! Can Albert come up with a plan to save the day? Albert and his friends make a splash and learn it' s not always winning that' s important.

#ellaandthecallofthewild #thegreyberetsguidetosurvivingtheodds #anewkindofbeautiful #whowillyoube #harisbones #mamaswedding #familyfeast #loveyoudaddy #poppymakespockets #ahatforeveryharriet #albertupsidedown #albertsupersize #albertandtheflood #albertandthepond #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #childrenspicturebooks #newrelease #reviewbooks #middlegradereads #australianauthors #bookmail #ausbookbloggers #loveozya #loveozmg 

Review: Albert Upside Down by Ian Brown

Albert Upside Down is the first book in a fun and charming series inspired by a real tortoise named Albert. 

I was immediately smitten with Albert the tortoise as soon as I saw this cute cover. Poor Albert how is he ever going to turn himself over?


Illustrated by Eoin Clarke

Publisher: Graffeg Books
Publication date: 27th April 2021
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 36
RRP: AU$19.99 (soft cover)
Source: Courtesy of the author

Available to purchase in Australia through peribo.com.au

When Albert tries to climb a big rock to reach a treat he falls backwards and lands on his shell, legs waving in the air.


All the garden insects gather to help Albert and there is much talk amongst them about who is the best worker. However Albert is big, he will need them all to help get him back on his feet. Word went out and more creatures came to help.
Everyone was needed to help Albert no matter how small, as even the smallest lightest insect can make a difference.


Albert Upside Down is a laugh-out-loud story with themes of putting aside your differences and working together.

Opens conversations to talk about the ecosystem and the different insects that live in the backyard and their individual strengths.

Stunning illustrations by Eoin Clarke bring the backyard setting to life. Illustrating Albert's memories in sepia tones was a brilliant idea to separate it from what is happening in the present.


Big, bold, bright, colourful and exquisitely detailed illustrations call to be pored over and we went back to them all, at a slower pace, once the story was finished.

I highly recommend this amusing and engaging story. I dare you not to fall in love with the adorable Albert!

There are more books in the series and more reviews to come.

My rating 5 / 5 ðŸĒðŸĒðŸĒðŸĒðŸĒ 

Publisher recommended age: 3 - 5 years
My recommended age: 4 - 8 years

Book Mail - 24th September 2026

  Once a month I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous month.  The books from right ...

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